HAKKA Group is seeking a commercially minded, hands‑on Manufacturing Manager to lead Manufacturing and provide functional control of Engineering and Maintenance as one integrated operation. Reporting to the CEO, you will drive safe, quality-compliant and cost-effective production while strengthening asset reliability, production planning and operational improvement.
What you will lead
- Own manufacturing performance across safety, food quality, output, labour productivity, yield, waste and conversion cost.
- Provide functional leadership to Engineering and Maintenance, including preventive maintenance, breakdown response, asset reliability, critical spares and equipment lifecycle planning.
- Lead Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II/MRP2), including master production scheduling, materials, capacity planning and shopfloor control, in collaboration with Planning, Procurement and Warehouse.
- Improve ERP discipline and manufacturing data quality, including BOMs, routings, production transactions and accurate operational reporting; Infor M3 experience is an advantage.
- Lead engineering projects, CAPEX business cases, equipment upgrades, contractor management, commissioning and benefits delivery.
- Partner with QA and WHS to maintain GMP, HACCP, SQF, safe systems of work and effective risk controls.
- Coach production supervisors and engineering leaders; establish clear accountabilities, performance measures and succession capability.
- Drive Lean improvement, structured root-cause analysis, reduced downtime and cross-functional operational performance.
What you will bring
- Substantial progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably 10+ years, in food, beverage, FMCG or a similarly complex production environment.
- Deep practical experience in both manufacturing operations and engineering, including leadership of maintenance and reliability functions.
- Formal engineering qualifications are highly desirable; a relevant technical qualification or equivalent substantial experience will be considered.
- Demonstrated MRP2 expertise, production planning capability and experience improving ERP manufacturing processes.
- Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in production, downtime, asset performance, costs and team capability.
- Solid CAPEX/project delivery, financial analysis, safety and food quality knowledge, and a visible, collaborative leadership style.
A senior leadership role with direct access to the CEO, genuine responsibility across Manufacturing and Engineering, and the opportunity to shape asset performance, operational capability and future investment.
📌 Manufacturing Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Hakka
📍 Sydney